Crowned the ‘Queen of the Hammond B3’ organ, music royal Twinkie Clark has been a celebrated figure in the gospel community for over four decades.  Penning most of The Clark Sisters’ biggest numbers (i.e. “You Brought the Sunshine”, “Name It Claim It”), the gospel legend’s resume has known no shortage of hits over its lengthy tenure.

Showing no signs of slowing, today brings with it the unveiling of Clark’s newest album “Live & Unplugged” (CD/DVD combo).  A critically acclaimed set that has already wowed critics on the sonic front, its visual repackaging hits stores everywhere today much to fan delight.

We caught up with Twinkie for an exclusive sit down to dish on the album, talk about a Clark Sisters movie, and even her thoughts on the U.S. government shutdown.  As always, this is a must read:

Twinkie Clark Shouts Out That Grape Juice

TGJ: “Live & Unplugged” is the name of your new CD. How excited are you to finally have this on the shelves?

Twinkie: I’m very much excited thanks to my nephew Larry Clark who is the producer. And, because it’s called “Live & Unplugged” we had no electric instruments.

TGJ: The album before this – “With Humility” – came a couple of years ago,but before that it had been quite some time since fans got a solo CD from you. What’s kept you away so long?

Twinkie: Well, when I’m not doing my solo engagements, I was busy doing road work with my sisters.  We wanted to give it time for the audience to respond to it.  That’s ultimately what took it so long.

TGJ: When you reflect over all of your solo work, what do you think sets ‘Live & Unplugged’ apart?

Twinkie: My testimony is on there. The Lord healed me and delivered me from a head-on collision. I have an organ solo on there (I get a lot of requests for that). Also, there’s a song on there with the Clark Sisters.

TGJ: What else should we expect from this new project in terms of themes, sounds, producers, etc?

Twinkie: The sound is what’s different. Usually, I play the organ on my albums. But, this time we have the baby grand acoustic piano being featured to go in line with the theme of “Live & Unplugged”.

Also, we have some renewed versions of some tunes that were originally written back in the 80s. We redid two of my old songs – “Awake O Zion” and “H-iya (Eternal Life)”.

TGJ:  Now, as with many interviews, we have a segment called “Five From Fans” where we received five questions from our readers for you.  Are you ready?

Twinkie: Yes!

1) TGJ: What’s your favorite Clark Sisters song?
Twinkie: It would have to be “Endow Me”. That’s my prayer: that the Lord would endow me and give me a new anointing to use me in ways He never has before. Each year I ask that.

It talks about laying hands on the sick and blinded eyes being open.

2) TGJ: We know your career has seen you record a lot of songs, but only a select few actually make the albums. What do you do with all of your leftover songs?

Twinkie: I just put them up on the shelves. Sometimes I just keep them in a box, so if I don’t have enough songs or run out of songs [for a new album], then they get pulled out.

Other times, they’re given to other artists.

3) TGJ: We always hear you jokingly say you hear songs by other artists that you wish you’d written first. What are some of those songs?

Twinkie: “Total Praise” is definitely one and “Center of My Joy“. I like Rance Allen’s “Something About That Name” as well as Hawkins Family “Thank You Lord (For All You’ve Done For Me)”. I can even add The Winans’ “The Question Is” to that list.

4) TGJ: Your TV One “Unsung” episode was so awesome because it gave fans the most in depth look they’d ever had at the Clark Sisters. But, it was also the first time you guys mentioned your father. We hear so much about your mom Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, but tell us more about him.

Twinkie: When my mom and dad were together, he was with a COGIC organization. He was a pastor and helping with the choir ministry. He really impressed upon us to always be in church and Bible study. We’d even bring out homework to church (laughs). Dad is the reason for a great deal of motivation that came with he group.

5) TGJ: You’ve always been a huge supporter of talent that came fter the Clark Sisters. Tell us some of your favorites.

Twinkie: Kim Burrell. Of course, we all like Yolanda Adams. My cousin J. Moss (laughs). Also, my niece Kierra Sheard. She s a great example for this generation. Her dad insists, like my dad did, that she be in church.

TGJ: Thanks for answering those questions.  Now, your career has been lined with accolades from Grammys to Stellars to induction in the International Gospel Music Hall of ame. Is there anything left that you still want to do?

Twinkie: I have to thank God for all of that. But, yes there is. We [The Clark Sisters] did a movie a while back called “Gospel”. I think it would be nice for us to do another movie, but this time about our family.

TGJ: Last, but not least, there has been so much talk Stateside about the government shutdown. Do you care to share some words of encouragement?

Twinkie: I would say that if we put Christ first in all that we do, we would have so much more progress. I would hope that Congress and the President can iron out their differences…and soon. They have to recognize how these things affect the people – especially those who were already struggling with “day-to-day” life.